Research institute moves downtown
NEWS STAFF REPORTER
December 16, 2009, 6:53 AM
A policy and research center at the University at Buffalo has been relocated, in what marks the beginning of similar moves to strengthen UB’s presence downtown.
UB’s Regional Institute has moved from Beck Hall on the South Campus to refurbished space on the third floor of UB’s Downtown Gateway building, formerly the M. Wile building, 77 Goodell St.
Moving the institute’s 10-member staff into the building is just a small part of the university’s larger plan to create a vibrant downtown campus along the Buffalo Niagara Medical Corridor.
UB eventually wants to relocate its Medical School and other health-related fields downtown, where this year it broke ground with Kaleida Health on a new 10- story vascular and research center.
Next spring, the university is scheduled to start building a four-story Educational Opportunity Center on a parking lot next to the UB Gateway building.
UB acquired the former M. Wile building in 2007 to relocate several of its community outreach programs, like the Regional Institute. They include: UB’s Office of Economic Engagement; administrative offices for UBMD, which represents 450 faculty physicians; UB’s office of Government and Community Relations; and the Center of Educational Collaboration, an initiative designed to collaborate with the Buffalo Public Schools.
“Over the course of the next few years, the community can expect to see additional units follow the institute to create an engaging, vibrant space for university-community interaction,” UB President John B. Simpson said in a prepared statement.
Founded in 1997 as the Institute for Local Governance and Regional Growth, the Regional Institute analyzes issues affecting the Buffalo Niagara region, such as the economy, governance reform and demographic change.
For the institute, the move downtown offers greater visibility and the opportunity for new partnerships, Kathryn A. Foster, institute director, said during an open house Tuesday afternoon.
“Proximity to our government, business and civic partners in the region’s hub lets us broaden and deepen our regional connections,” Foster said.
jrey@buffnews.com "> e-mail: jrey@buffnews.com
UB’s Regional Institute has moved from Beck Hall on the South Campus to refurbished space on the third floor of UB’s Downtown Gateway building, formerly the M. Wile building, 77 Goodell St.
Moving the institute’s 10-member staff into the building is just a small part of the university’s larger plan to create a vibrant downtown campus along the Buffalo Niagara Medical Corridor.
UB eventually wants to relocate its Medical School and other health-related fields downtown, where this year it broke ground with Kaleida Health on a new 10- story vascular and research center.
Next spring, the university is scheduled to start building a four-story Educational Opportunity Center on a parking lot next to the UB Gateway building.
UB acquired the former M. Wile building in 2007 to relocate several of its community outreach programs, like the Regional Institute. They include: UB’s Office of Economic Engagement; administrative offices for UBMD, which represents 450 faculty physicians; UB’s office of Government and Community Relations; and the Center of Educational Collaboration, an initiative designed to collaborate with the Buffalo Public Schools.
“Over the course of the next few years, the community can expect to see additional units follow the institute to create an engaging, vibrant space for university-community interaction,” UB President John B. Simpson said in a prepared statement.
Founded in 1997 as the Institute for Local Governance and Regional Growth, the Regional Institute analyzes issues affecting the Buffalo Niagara region, such as the economy, governance reform and demographic change.
For the institute, the move downtown offers greater visibility and the opportunity for new partnerships, Kathryn A. Foster, institute director, said during an open house Tuesday afternoon.
“Proximity to our government, business and civic partners in the region’s hub lets us broaden and deepen our regional connections,” Foster said.
jrey@buffnews.com "> e-mail: jrey@buffnews.com
